The Ridge Rider is a mountain bike powered by an impressive 500 watt Dapu brushless geared rear hub motor. The bike has five levels of pedal assist (PAS) with a throttle override for full power on demand at each level plus a throttle-only mode. The motor was more than equal to any ascent that we attempted and the drivetrain and brakes performed with the excellence we expected of them.

The ST1 X has the same frame as the ST2 S and both models move stealthily. We tested the ST1 X on both short rides and long touring expeditions. The three levels of PAS, low, medium and “Captain Kirk, can we slow down a little” were very effective in moderating speed, and we were able to exceed 30 mph on this bike almost as easily as on the ST2 S.

The 2017 Koda is an improved version of their 2015 model that was one of five finalists for e-bike of the year at Interbike. The Koda is listed as a “sports commuter” and satisfies the designation very well.

In our Orange County backyard, Cleveland National Forest has a plethora of options for doubletrack riding on your eMTB, including Maple Springs Truck Trail, located at the end of Silverado Canyon Road.

The aluminum frame and full carbon fiber fork of the ST2 S is equipped with an industry-leading 48 Volt, 983-Watt hour battery that has a range exceeding 180 kilometers (100+ miles) if used judiciously.

H.L. Mencken said that one characteristic of Americans is we’re afraid that someone somewhere is having fun. If that’s the case, we need to close our collective eyes when someone rides by on an E-LUX cruiser, because they’re definitely having a good time.

Interbike, the yearly compendium of phantasmagoric cycling delicacies, is just around the corner as this is written, and the SCB crew has the same rapt anticipation as the week before Christmas many years ago.

Many excellent bike shops in Southern California already sell e-commuters, with more retailers adding them their inventory every month. So then why would anyone want to assemble a do-it-yourself (DIY) e-bike when there are scores of superb OEM models available? The reasons, many and varied, include the cost savings, the assurance that the conversion of a bike that already fits you perfectly will continue to do so as an e-bike, a new hobby, the feeling of accomplishment and an intimate knowledge of the functional parameters of your bike.

No e-bike will be perfect for every commuter and use-case, but there is an optimal electric two-wheeled vehicle for you. This primer will help you select an e-bike that satisfies your functional requirements and falls within your financial constraints.

If you’ve ever heard the saying, “When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple,” well, you can just forget about that right now. At 62-years-young, I’ve started riding an e-bike and I’m officially in love!